Discovery Sport vs GLA
Two makers, one class, one decision: the Discovery Sport from Land Rover or the GLA from Mercedes-Benz. Across 4 compared areas, the GLA takes 1. The widest gap shows up under fuel economy & range.
At a glance
- Engine & Performance Discovery Sport wins
- Fuel Economy & Range GLA wins
- Space & Practicality Tie
- Off-road & Towing Tie
- Engine & Performance7.1
- Fuel Economy & Range0.0
- Engine & Performance4.9
- Fuel Economy & Range5.9
Spec scores (0 to 10) are calculated from manufacturer specs against other models in the same class. See how the formula works. They are not reviews or user ratings.
Key Differences
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The GLA has better fuel economy
The spread here is large: 29 mpg on the GLA versus 20 mpg on the Discovery Sport. Expect to notice it. Official figures rarely match real-world driving exactly, but the ranking between two cars tends to hold.
-
The Discovery Sport has 25 hp more power
If everything else were equal, this small edge would favor the Discovery Sport: 246 hp against 221 hp. More power helps with merging, overtaking and climbing hills, especially with passengers and luggage on board.
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The GLA has better highway fuel economy
Of all the specs we compared, this is one where the GLA makes its strongest case: 34 mpg against 23 mpg. Highway fuel economy matters if you cover long distances at steady speeds.
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The GLA has better city fuel economy
The GLA clearly leads on fuel economy (city), and 26 mpg versus 19 mpg is a difference that reaches well beyond the spec sheet. City fuel economy matters most if your driving is mostly short trips, traffic and stop-and-go commutes.
Design & Size
Engine & Performance
Discovery Sport leads
The GLA comes close on engine & performance, but the Discovery Sport does just enough to lead. On its side, the Discovery Sport has 25 hp more power. The Discovery Sport’s extra output gives it more in reserve when you need to get up to speed. The engine & performance verdict goes to the Discovery Sport.
Total system output
Discovery Sport: 246 hp GLA: 221 hp Power is only part of the story; weight, gearing and torque delivery shape how quick a car feels.
Fuel Economy & Range
GLA leads
The GLA dominates the fuel economy & range section, and the gaps are large enough to matter in daily use. The GLA adds better fuel economy. Better combined fuel economy lowers your running costs every week, and the savings add up over years of ownership. For anyone who cares most about fuel economy & range, the GLA is the safer choice.
Fuel economy (combined)
Discovery Sport: 20 mpg GLA: 29 mpg The GLA uses less fuel on the standard combined cycle, which matters most if you drive a lot.
Fuel economy (highway)
Discovery Sport: 23 mpg GLA: 34 mpg Speed, wind and load affect highway use a lot, but the official rating is a fair comparison point.
Space & Practicality
Too close to call
In the space & practicality category, the Discovery Sport and the GLA land in almost the same place. Both cover space & practicality well enough that other priorities should break the tie.
Off-road & Towing
Too close to call
The differences on off-road & towing are small enough to ignore in daily use. This section won’t settle the choice, so weigh the other areas more heavily.
Safety & Tech
The safety & tech data here comes as names and types, not scores. Check the table to see what each one uses.
Full Specifications
Engine & Performance
| Spec | Discovery Sport | GLA |
|---|---|---|
| Powertrain | Gas | Gas (48V mild hybrid) |
| Engine | 2.0L turbo I4 | 2.0L turbo I4 |
| Total system output | 246 hp (winner) | 221 hp |
| Torque | 269 lb-ft | 258 lb-ft |
| Transmission | 9-speed automatic | 8-speed dual-clutch |
| Drivetrain | AWD | FWD (4MATIC AWD available) |
Fuel Economy & Range
| Spec | Discovery Sport | GLA |
|---|---|---|
| Fuel economy (combined)EPA estimate where available | 20 mpg Thirstiest in class | 29 mpg (winner) |
| Fuel economy (city) | 19 mpg Thirstiest in the city | 26 mpg (winner) |
| Fuel economy (highway) | 23 mpg Thirstiest on the highway | 34 mpg (winner) |
Space & Practicality
| Spec | Discovery Sport | GLA |
|---|---|---|
| Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
Off-road & Towing
| Spec | Discovery Sport | GLA |
|---|---|---|
| AWD / 4WD available | Yes | Yes |
Safety & Tech
| Spec | Discovery Sport | GLA |
|---|---|---|
| Basic warranty | 4 yr / 50,000 mi | 4 yr / 50,000 mi |
“N/A” means the manufacturer does not specify the value or we could not confirm it. Figures marked “manufacturer rating” are the maker’s own claims, not our measurements.
Which One Should You Buy?
Choose the Discovery Sport if…
- you want more power (246 hp vs 221 hp)
- you already know your way around Land Rover’s products
Choose the GLA if…
- you want better combined fuel economy (29 mpg vs 20 mpg)
- you want better highway fuel economy (34 mpg vs 23 mpg)
- you want better city fuel economy (26 mpg vs 19 mpg)
Also Compared
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is better for most people, the Discovery Sport or the GLA?
We’d point most buyers to the GLA. The main exception is if you’d rather have 25 hp more power on the Discovery Sport.
Executive Summary
Here’s the short version of how I’d choose between the Discovery Sport and the GLA. The GLA wins me over with better fuel economy. Add better city fuel economy to the list, and the GLA looks even better. Where the Discovery Sport fights back is 25 hp more power.
Choose by what you’d use most: engine & performance leads to the Discovery Sport, fuel economy & range leads to the GLA.
My pick: the GLA; the one scenario where I’d reach for the Discovery Sport is if your top priority is 25 hp more power.
Personal opinion based on the data above. Your priorities may differ.